Nestled in the heart of rustic Champaign lies a pleasantly idyllic boutique. Since its grand opening in Peoria in 2007, Apricot Lane has brought the latest designer collections and trends to a wide range of clientele. Even more impressively, it is a family run clothing franchise opened by mother and daughter Jena Green and Renee Dixon. With 123 individual Apricot Lane stores opened nationwide and 30-40 planned to open every year, their primary emphasis is on customer service and an excellent, hand-picked selection.
Emitting an aura that resembles a fusion between Free People and Threadsence, Apricot Lane Boutique is a truly dynamic, stylish and upscale franchise retail store. Their stores are located in high traffic shopping centers and supported by a well established, comprehensive retail operation. Even though it’s a franchise, the store works hard to maintain the atmosphere of a boutique. As soon as I went inside, I was enchanted by its charming interior and exquisite, dainty vibe. This boho shop packs an awful lot of lovely and intriguing merchandise into a small but orderly space. The store is mostly geared toward college students, but it also works to cater to teenagers and older women as well. Whether you are looking for a few casual pieces to sport across campus or something more classy at a sorority formal, you will surely find what you need. With their stylish ambience and affordability combined, this boutique is any Fashionista’s utopia.
Name: Lindsey Flessner
Role: General Manager
CollegeFashionista: How would you describe the primary ideals and images of Apricot Lane Boutique?
Lindsey Flessner: We are a trendy yet affordable women’s clothing boutique specializing in fashionable merchandise. We also carry everything from clothes to shoes in sizes small to large.
CF: What inspired you most to pursue this career path? How did you get into the business and to your current position?
LF: I have always had a love and passion for fashion and fashion trends. Being the store manager of Apricot Lane allows me to use both my finance degree and fashion degree. The store manager position was something that gave me an opportunity to assist in all aspects of managing a retail store—not only managing the daily aspects of the store, but also recruiting, hiring, inventory analysis and also lending a hand in ideas for product to be brought into the store.
CF: How would you describe your personal style?
LF: Â I’m a little bit of Free People with a little bit of edge.
CF: Which spring trends in the collection are you loving most at Apricot Lane?
LF: Floral prints, rompers and jumpers, pastel nude tones and layering of jewelry and necklaces.
Learn More: To find some timeless one-of-a-kind pieces for your closet or dorm room, visit Apricot Lane Boutique located on 627 South Wright Street. Also, be sure to like their Facebook page to hear about new products and sales.
